Ficinia spiralis, syn. Desmoschoenus spiralis, pingao (pronounced Pee-now) or golden sand sedge is endemic to the North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands. It is found in coastal sand dune systems. It favours sloping and more or less unstable surfaces, growing mostly on the front face of active dunes but also on the rear face and rear dunes, provided that there is wind-blown sand. It can also grow on the top of sand hills. It is effective at trapping sand. Easily recognised by the distinctive overall orange colouring of the plant and by the paniculate spiral seed heads. Best grown in full sun in sandy conditions, it grows to 90cm high and puts out runners. The fruit of Ficinia has a gynophore, a feature shared only with the genus Ficinia with which it also shares paniculate, spiralled inforescences. It flowers in spring and early summer with seed in late summer. Its main threats come from competition from marram grass (Ammophila arenaria), dune stabilisation and compaction, harvesting, trampling, vehicle traffic and browsing animals. Because this species is wind-pollinated, individuals of small, isolated populations may not receive pollen during flowering, and therefore there will be no seed production. Browsing and trampling by sheep and horses; browsing of seedlings by possums; seed destruction by rodents; fire and insensitive harvesting. Frequently grown for dune restoration projects.  The yellow-green to orange leaves, when dried were used by Maori for weaving. Parts of the plant (fresh or dried) were also said to have medicinal properties.